Rail Fares: Train Operators and Passenger Groups

rail fares: It comes a day after train operators announced an average 2.7% increase in rail fares in January, prompting dismay from passenger groups, according to The Guardian. The increase also affects regulated fares, about 40% of the total, including most commuter season tickets as well as some long distance off-peak fares and peak urban trips. The plans which would only affect fares in England as those in Wales and Scotland are devolved would also seek to ensure part-time workers do not have to pay more per journey than season ticket holders, while those aged 16 and under would get free rail travel. Labour, which plans to renationalise the rail system over the long term, would cut these fares by 33% from January to tackle the crisis of unaffordability on the railways with the party saying this would save the average commuter 1,097 a year. The party is also promising a London-style ticketing system across the nation to simplify prices using zonal fares, which would be applied to all types of public transport, and allow contactless payments. For part-time workers, changes to the fare system would ensure they would not pay more on the trains per day than commuters with all-week season tickets, while those aged 16 and under would travel for free. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.